That was true. Still…
Eric narrowed his eyes, his voice cold and steady. “And what makes you so sure Hadley’s at risk just because I don’t play along?”
Linda blinked, amused. “Oh? So you’re turning me down? Really now?” A short laugh slipped out as she tilted her head with mock innocence. “Oh, right. You’ve got Cristian—your knight in a lawyer’s suit—fighting your battles.” Lifting her shoulders in a lazy shrug, she added, “Go on, then. Let Hadley know she’ll need a good defense. I’ll be waiting for her in court.”
Eric’s jaw clenched tight. His temper surged, and a pulse throbbed visibly along his neck.
Amused by the storm she’d stirred, Linda let out a low chuckle. “One little threat and you’re already falling apart? Since we go way back, I’ll be generous and give you time to think things through.”
She hadn’t finished her sentence when Eric abruptly turned on his heel and made for the exit.
“Eric, listen!” Linda grabbed at her side and called out in a strained voice. “You’d better send me overseas. If anything happens to me, I’ll make sure Hadley takes the fall! She won’t walk away clean!”
For a brief second, Eric’s stride hitched. Still, he didn’t glance back. He left the hospital room without a word.
The gentle click of the door echoed behind him, but Linda’s voice kept chasing after him. “Eric! I don’t have all day! You’d better move fast, do you hear me?”
A faint thud followed as the door shut completely.
Staring at the door that no longer opened for her, Linda stood frozen, her pale features clouded by quiet despair. Barely above a whisper, she muttered, “You’re cornered, Eric… there’s no other way.”
A moment passed before the door creaked open again, and Jane stepped in with careful footsteps.
“Miss Harris.” Linda nodded. “Nice work.” Without missing a beat, she asked, “Did you manage to get any photos earlier?”
Find the latest updates g?.
“Yes, I did,” Jane confirmed, pulling out her phone. “I’ll send them to you now.”
“Perfect.” Linda’s eyes shifted to the table beside her. “Pass me my phone.”
Reaching into the drawer, Jane pulled it out and placed it in Linda’s hand. “Here it is.”
Taking the phone, Linda unlocked it and opened her contact list. After scrolling through the names, she tapped the one she needed and placed the call.
The other end picked up almost immediately. “Who’s this?”
“It’s me. I’ve got something you’ll want—a headline. Want in?”
Inside the car, leaning against the window, Eric pressed his fingers to his temples, trying to push through the pounding in his head. After a few seconds, he spoke with quiet urgency. “Get in touch with Cristian. Tell him to come see me.”
The sun had already risen. He needed to hear just how confident Cristian felt about their chances.
“Right away.”
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